AnalysisSalah's stylish return, Liverpool's League of Nations and more talking points from 4-1 win at Brentford
Liverpool maintained their position at the top of the Premier League courtesy of a 4-1 win at Brentford on Saturday.
Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo were all on target as the Reds recorded their maiden victory at Gtech Community Stadium.
Here are five things we noticed on a big afternoon in London…
Nunez keeps his cool when it matters
What was better, the assist or the finish?
It had been a pretty tight opening 35 minutes, but the game exploded into life as Virgil van Dijk’s clearance was judged beautifully by Diogo Jota, who guided a perfect header into the path of Nunez.
The Uruguayan had time to think, time to pick the best option, and he did just that, clipping a deft finish over Mark Flekken to give his side a priceless lead.
That’s 13 goals in all competitions this season for the 24-year-old, and he has also provided 11 assists for good measure.
This was as cool a contribution as he’s made for the Reds, and at a critical time too.
Salah returns in style
After 47 days, Salah returned to action for Liverpool here, and of course he did so in style.
Having missed a chance of his own, early in the second half, the Egyptian soon found the perfect pass to set up Mac Allister to make it 2-0.
And he wasn’t finished there, either. After Gakpo had flicked on Caoimhin Kelleher’s clearance, Salah was quickest to react, nudging the ball past Kristoffer Ajer and firing it beyond Flekken for his 19th Reds goal of the season.
“What a goal!” remarked a delighted Jürgen Klopp on the sideline. No wonder he says he is ‘over the moon’ to have his No.11 back in action.
The Brentford curse is lifted
Liverpool did not have particularly fond memories of the Gtech prior to today, but they could certainly enjoy this visit.
Having conceded three times in each of their previous two games here, the Reds came knowing they would have to dig deep and defend well if they were to have any chance of success.
They did both.
Despite notable absentees, and despite losing both Jota and Curtis Jones to injury in the first half, Klopp’s men stood firm against the home side’s considerable threat, and when the chances came their way in attack, they were taken in clinical fashion.
This was their first league win at Brentford since 1938, and the first time they have ever completed a league double over the Bees. The celebrations at the end told their own story.
Gakpo hits double figures
This was another good day for Liverpool’s substitutes. A goal and an assist for Salah, and the same for Gakpo, who has now netted 10 times for the Reds this season.
The Dutchman, who replaced Nunez at half-time, set up Salah’s goal with a smart flick header, and then kept his composure when played in by Luis Diaz late on, wrapping up the win with a cool finish.
Yet again, Liverpool’s squad strength was in evidence. It will be needed in the coming weeks.
The League of Nations
A bit of history was made when Liverpool’s teamsheet dropped on Saturday.
For the first time ever in a league match, the Reds’ starting XI consisted of players of 11 different nationalities.
From the Irishman in goal to the Uruguayan in attack, via Northern Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Scotland, Japan, Argentina, England, Colombia and Portugal, this was a global Liverpool line-up, and there would be further contributions from a couple more Dutchmen, an Egyptian and a pair of Englishmen before the game was out.
No wonder a certain German was smiling broadly at the final whistle.